Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Best Info

Serial numbers generally parallel the exposed-hammer models but with an “H” prefix or suffix for some years—though often no prefix. Use same ranges cautiously.

The Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database represents the collective effort of historians to preserve the legacy of a firearm that protected countless American homes. While the records may not be as pristine as those of high-end manufacturers, the "best" databases provide a critical roadmap. By combining serial numbers with mechanical features, collectors can turn a rusty old "safety automatic" into a verified piece of American history.

A high-quality Iver Johnson revolver serial number database provides a prefix-based dating system to determine the manufacturing period and whether the firearm is designed for black powder or modern smokeless powder. Key Database Features

Prefix Decoding Table: Identifies the specific year range based on the letter prefix (e.g., no prefix for 1909–1919, single letter for 1920–1929, and two letters for 1930–1939).

"FITCHBURG" Deciphering Tool: Converts unique all-letter serial numbers used between 1940 and 1950 into numeric digits using the code:

Ammunition Compatibility Guide: Uses the serial number and patent dates to verify if a revolver is a "Second Model" (black powder) or "Third Model" (smokeless powder) to prevent the use of dangerous modern ammunition in antique frames.

Hidden Location Identification: Provides diagrams showing where the "true" serial number is located, which is often hidden on the grip strap under the left grip panel rather than just the visible trigger guard.

Production Variation Data: Cross-references numbers with specific mechanical features, such as the "owl head" grip orientation or leaf spring types, to pinpoint exact variations like the "Ninth Variation" of the Second Model.

You can consult Colt's Serial Lookup or JustAnswer's Firearm Experts for professional help identifying vintage Iver Johnson models.

Help identifying an Iver Johnson revolver - Northwest Firearms

The dusty shelf in Elias’s shop held many secrets, but none as stubborn as the rusted Iver Johnson Safety Automatic. Its cylinder was locked, its history hidden under decades of oxidation. For Elias, a serial number wasn't just a string of digits; it was a birth certificate.

"Let’s see when you were born," he muttered, pulling the trigger guard back to reveal the hidden stamp on the frame. Serial Number: G 48219.

He turned to his weathered copy of the Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works production records. In the world of "Owl’s Head" revolvers, a single letter prefix was the key to the vault. No Prefix: The early years (1909–1919). Single Letter: The roaring twenties (1920–1929). Double Letter: The depression era (1930–1939).

According to the serial number decoding experts, that "G" meant this piece of steel rolled off the line in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, right around 1924. It was a "Third Model," designed for smokeless powder—the pinnacle of the company's famous "Hammer the Hammer" safety design.

Elias cleaned the grip, the iconic owl logo staring back at him. What was once just a "cheap mail-order gun" as some called them was now a century-old survivor. Thanks to the database, it wasn't just a relic anymore; it was a 1924 time capsule.

Identifying and dating Iver Johnson revolvers is a specialized task because official company records are incomplete. The most comprehensive "database" for collectors is found in Bill Goforth's book, Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993, which contains the most accurate serial number lists and design evolution charts available. 1. Locate the Serial Number

The location of the serial number often helps determine the model and era: Grip Strap (Butt): Standard location for many models.

Under the Grips: Often found on the left side of the grip frame. Trigger Guard: Sometimes stamped on the bottom. Top Strap: Occasionally duplicated under the top strap. 2. Identify the Era by Serial Format

General rules of thumb for dating based on serial number prefixes:

No Letter Prefix: Typically manufactured between 1909 and 1919.

Single Letter Prefix: Generally indicates a manufacture date between 1920 and 1929 (e.g., "C" often corresponds to 1926).

Two Letter Prefix: Usually manufactured between 1930 and 1939. Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST

All Letter Serial Number: Commonly produced between 1940 and 1950. 3. Use the "FITCHBURG" Decoding Key

For certain shotgun and revolver models (especially the "Champion" line), Iver Johnson used a letter-based code to represent numbers, based on the name of the city where they were based: FITCHBURG. F=1, I=2, T=3, C=4, H=5, B=6, U=7, R=8, G=9. 4. Safety Warning: Black Powder vs. Smokeless Knowing the production year is critical for safety. Iver Johnson Revolver Year & Info: Expert Q&A Guide

Dating an Iver Johnson revolver is notoriously difficult because the company often restarted serial number sequences annually or by model variation. To find the exact production year, you must cross-reference the serial number prefix with specific physical design features

that define the three major "Models" of the Safety Automatic line. Step 1: Locate the Full Serial Number The number on the bottom of the trigger guard butt of the frame

is often incomplete. For an accurate date, you must find the serial number with its letter prefix Under the Left Grip:

Remove the left grip panel. The full serial number with its identifying letter is usually stamped on the left side of the grip frame. Under the Top Strap:

On top-break models, open the action and remove the cylinder. The number may be stamped on the underside of the top strap. Step 2: Identify the Major Model

You must first determine which "Model" you have to know which serial database to use. Production Years Key Features Propellant First Model 1894–1895 Single top-post latch; owl on grip faces the barrel. Black Powder only. Second Model 1896–1908 Double top-post latch; owl faces the barrel. Black Powder only. Third Model 1909–1941

Owl faces the shooter; coil mainspring; 4 cross pins in frame. Smokeless Powder Step 3: Serial Number Database & Letter Prefixes

Iver Johnson used letter prefixes to denote specific years or frame sizes within these models. Second Model (Black Powder) If your revolver has a double top-post latch owl faces the barrel

, it was made between 1896 and 1908. Common prefixes include: No Prefix:

Often indicates the very early 1896 production or specific variations. Roughly corresponds to 1897, 1898, and 1899. Used for runs in 1898, 1899, and 1902. Indicates the 1906 manufacturing run (~100,000 guns). Third Model (Smokeless Powder) The Third Model (1909–1941) is the most common. If the owl faces the shooter , use these prefixes:

Need helping finding correct make and model of my iver johnson

The serial number on the bottom of the trigger guard has no letter prefix, but it does under the grip.

The Ultimate Guide to Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database: Unlocking the Secrets of Your Firearm

Are you a collector, enthusiast, or owner of an Iver Johnson revolver? If so, you're likely interested in learning more about your firearm's history, specifications, and value. One crucial piece of information is the serial number, which can help you identify your revolver's production date, model, and other essential details. In this article, we'll dive into the world of Iver Johnson revolver serial number databases and provide you with the best resources available.

What is an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database?

An Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is a comprehensive collection of serial numbers and corresponding information about Iver Johnson revolvers. These databases aim to provide a reliable source for firearms enthusiasts to research and verify the authenticity and specifications of their Iver Johnson revolvers.

Why is an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database Important?

Having access to a reliable serial number database is vital for several reasons:

The BEST Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database The BEST Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database

After extensive research, we've identified one of the most comprehensive and reliable Iver Johnson revolver serial number databases:

Other Reliable Resources

While the Iver Johnson Arms Company Serial Number Database is an excellent resource, there are other reliable sources you can use:

How to Use an Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database

Using an Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is relatively straightforward:

Tips and Precautions

When using an Iver Johnson revolver serial number database, keep the following tips and precautions in mind:

Conclusion

The Iver Johnson revolver serial number database is an essential resource for collectors, enthusiasts, and owners of Iver Johnson firearms. By accessing a reliable database, you can unlock the secrets of your revolver's history, specifications, and value. Remember to verify the authenticity of the database and cross-check information from multiple sources. Happy researching!

Additional Resources

For further reading and research, here are some additional resources:

By following these resources and tips, you'll become an expert on Iver Johnson revolvers and be able to unlock the secrets of your firearm's history and value.

There is no official online search engine for Iver Johnson serial numbers because the original company records are incomplete or lost . Instead, collectors rely on the book "Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Firearms 1871-1993" by William Goforth, which is widely considered the definitive database . 🔍 Where to Find Your Serial Number

Iver Johnson revolvers often have serial numbers in multiple spots. If they don't match, the number under the grip is the official one .

Bottom of the Trigger Guard: Most common visible location .

Under the Left Grip Panel: The "true" serial number is often stamped on the left side of the frame .

Under the Top Strap: Open the action and look under the latch .

Bottom of the Grip (Butt): Common on later or larger models . 📅 How to Decode the Year

Since a searchable database doesn't exist, use these indicators to narrow down the age: 1. The Owl Head Grip

Owl faces toward the barrel: 1st or 2nd Model (1894–1908). These use black powder and are unsafe with modern ammo .

Owl faces toward the butt: 3rd Model (1909–1941). These were redesigned for smokeless powder . 2. The Letter Prefix Other Reliable Resources While the Iver Johnson Arms

Letters at the start of the serial number (like "Q" or "C") indicate specific production runs or years . No Prefix: Likely an early model (before 1900) .

Single Letter (e.g., "C"): Often indicates 1920s production (e.g., C = 1926) .

Two Letter Prefix: Used for later models, where each prefix has its own chronological chart . 3. Barrel Markings

Check the "fine print" on the top of the barrel. The latest patent date will give you a "no earlier than" manufacture date .

💡 Safety Warning: Most Iver Johnson revolvers found today are "Black Powder" models (pre-1909). Firing modern "Smokeless" ammunition in these can cause the gun to explode .

Help identifying an Iver Johnson revolver - Northwest Firearms

The search phrase "Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Database BEST" typically leads enthusiasts down a frustrating path. Unlike Colt or Smith & Wesson, there is no single, centralized, official "database" accessible to the public that contains the production records of Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works.

The "BEST" resource currently available is not a searchable digital database, but rather a specific reference book and a decentralized network of collector forums.

Here is a breakdown of the best available resources for dating and identifying an Iver Johnson revolver.

Let’s return to that 1987 farmhouse.

Twenty years later, the grandson—now an amateur historian—entered the revolver’s details into the online database:

Barrel: Pat. Apr 6.86 – Feb 15.87 – May 10.87
Frame: Small frame, exposed hammer, leaf spring
Serial: 78,412
Caliber: .38 S&W

The database answered instantly:

“Model: Iver Johnson Second Model Small Frame (1889–1895). Serial 78,412 falls within the 1893 production block. Approximately 4,200 units made in this block. Note: This model was commonly sold through Sears, Roebuck & Co. for $3.25. Civilian purchase possible, but many were owned by railroad guards and night watchmen. Not a standard US military sidearm.”

Further research using the database’s “Batch Trace” feature linked serials 78,200–78,500 to a known shipment to a Chicago hardware store in October 1893. The store was two blocks from the World’s Columbian Exposition.

The doughboy in the photo? He was born in 1896. He couldn’t have owned the gun when it was new. But his father—a night watchman at the 1893 Fair—could have bought it new.

The mystery solved. Not murder. Not espionage. Just a workingman’s tool, passed down, then hidden, then found again.

These are derived from Goforth’s research and collector logs. They apply to Iver Johnson’s top-break, hammer-driven revolvers (not the solid-frame “Trailsman” or late-model automatics).

Another excellent resource is the Iver Johnson section of GunValuesBoard.com. This is a user-driven database where owners enter their serial numbers, model descriptions, and purchase data.

First, a hard truth: There is no single, official, factory-published Iver Johnson serial number database. The original Iver Johnson company closed its doors in 1993. Many production records were lost or destroyed over the decades—especially during a major fire in the early 20th century.

However, the best database isn't a government website; it is a collective, community-sourced effort built by dedicated historians like Bill Goforth and the members of the Iver Johnson Collectors Association.

Here is the definitive ranking of the BEST Iver Johnson Revolver Serial Number Databases available to the public.

These are the most reliable, though incomplete, resources: